If you’ve got a four-legged friend, did you introduce him to your colleagues on Friday (June 24th), when it was ‘Bring Your Dog to Work Day’? The annual event raises money for dog charities but it’s also a great reminder that having a pet around the place can dramatically reduce workplace stress (not to mention pep up morale and increase team co-operation).
Don’t worry if you don’t have a dog, though – there are plenty of other de-stressing tips you can try…
1. Have a laugh
We all know how we feel after we’ve had a good laugh, don’t we? So rather than reaching for a glass of wine after a stressful day, put on a comedy DVD or watch Youtube clips of your favourite comedian instead. If you’re feeling stress mounting at work, phone a friend for a quick chat and a giggle to boost your spirits.
2. Drink black tea
Camomile tea is known to be calming but a cup of black tea could also help with stress. In one 2010 study, black tea drinkers who were exposed to stressful situations over a six-week period had lower stress levels than participants who drank a placebo.
3. Write a diary
Spending time writing might be the last thing you want to do when there aren’t enough hours in the day and you’re stressing about getting everything done. But putting your thoughts onto paper can help put things into perspective and stop you feeling overwhelmed.
4. Chew gum
According to research, chewing gum is good for stress. You might have to be chewing for a while, though – one Japanese study found that the cortisol-lowering benefits of chewing didn’t kick in until after 10 minutes.
5. Colour a pretty picture
Adult colouring books are a trendy way to tackle anxiety and stress. Experts say that colouring gives us something to focus on and helps keep our mind on the present moment. When we’re colouring, stressful thoughts melt away as we become completely absorbed in creating a picture.
6. Listen to music
It’s hard to feel stressed when you’re listening to music. Choose whatever you like from your playlist – relaxing classical, upbeat pop or favourite songs that conjure up happy memories.
* I use intuitive coaching to help women deal with stress and find their work-life balance. If you’d like to know more, please contact me at katie@thecatalystforlife.com
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